TCMG is happy to announce a new team member! On June 1st, Stefanie Bischof started with us and now is your contact for all things Western Australia.

In this issue of our newsletter you will learn more about Tourism Western Australia’s new marketing campaign “Just Another Day in WA”. Based on this theme, in cooperation with Emirates, we will also run our Western Australia Road Show in Germany and Switzerland in October.

In our section “Meet”, we’ll introduce you to koala Hume who spent two years at Australia Zoo’s Wildlife Hospital and has just been released into the wild.

You will also find updates from Papua New Guinea and our clients Delaware North Australia Parks & Resorts, Cayman Villas and the Quicksilver Group.

As always, we wish you a pleasant read and are looking forward to your feedback.

Your Team TCMG

Latest news

Just Another Day in WANew Marketing Campaign for Western Australia

Extraordinary and yet just daily life? This is the message of Tourism Western Australia’s new marketing campaign “Just Another Day in WA” that Premier and Tourism Minister Colin J. Barnett presented to the public on 10th June in Perth. The new campaign will showcase all the unique experiences that Australia’s biggest state offers to visitors on any given day. Read more…

Wanderlust in Western AustraliaMargaret River Cape to Cape Track now part of Australia’s “Great Walks”

It’s official! The four day “Margaret River Cape to Cape Walk” has recently become part of Australia’s most beautiful guided walks. This tour offered by “Walk into Luxury” has become a member of the “Great Walks of Australia”. In total, there are nine “Great Walks” on the red continent. One of these is now available in Western Australia.

The track leads through Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and most beautiful natural scenery. Off the top of the cliffs, visitors enjoy stunning views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Untouched beaches invite to stop for a swim. Not only the landscape offers diversity though. When visiting…

Visitors who want to enjoy the views on The Gap and Natural Bridge from the new platform in the Torndirrup National Park near Albany should definitely not be afraid of heights. 40 Meters above the sea, on top of the cliffs, the new viewing platform stretches ten meters out over the ocean. Those who walk to the brink can see the white caps on the ocean below their feet. And they can also feel the ocean’s spray. The new lookout is not built of glass, but is a grated see-through platform. The Gap and Natural Bridge, which receive more than 201,000 visits a year, form part of the most popular natural sights near Albany.

Overnights that don’t involve any costs. Travelers on their way up Australia’s Coral Coast with a campervan or car and tent find free camping spots in Jurien Bay and Cervantes. Six former rest stops have officially become free nature-based camping sites.

Three former picnic spots – Hakea, Banksia and Smokebush reserve – are now rest stops where travelers can stay up to 48 hours. In Drummonds, Wandoo and Tuarts, visitors are allowed to stop for up to 72 hours. None of these camping sites are equipped with any facilities as guests would find them in a commercial caravan park. Self-caterers who wish to stay for a night or two, should bring a minimum of 20 liters of water.

WA based business RedSand Campers is the newest player in the 4WD, self-drive market. The company offers a comfortable alternative for people who wish to experience a 4WD adventure, but without putting up a tent on the ground every night. RedSand Campers offers high-quality, purpose built 4WD campers, allowing travelers to journey through WA’s best self-drive locations. Most of these are out of reach for conventional 2WD campervans.

The 2 and 5 seater vehicles are equipped with a hard case pop up roof tent, pillows and blankets included. Further features include a solar powered shower, an awning as well as a table and two chairs.

Western Australia is on track to record its biggest ever cruise ship season. Last financial year, the cruise sector generated 1,188 jobs and more than $275 million for the State’s economy. So far this financial year that draws to a close there have been 43 cruise visits to Fremantle carrying more than 103,000 passengers. This makes Western Australia the leader amongst all States on the red continent when it comes to growth in the cruise shipping sector. P&O Cruises alone will make 27 calls to WA ports. Their ship “Pacific Eden” will be based in Fremantle – for roundtrips starting from there – until 18 July.

In Western Australia’s capital, Perth, hotels have been sprouting up like mushrooms. Too expensive hotel rooms and not enough of them? That’s yesterday’s news. Today, visitors to Perth can choose from a broad range of beautiful accommodation options with attractive pricing.

In 2015 alone, five new hotels opened up. Amongst others, the Alex Hotel in the heart of North Bridge and the luxurious boutique hotel COMO The Treasury. Numerous other properties currently are in the planning stage or works already draw to an end. For the Ritz Carlton on Elizabeth Quay works have started recently. And the six star hotel Crown Towers is expected to open in December 2016. By 2018, more than 2,000 new hotel rooms will be available…

With the opening of the new Stanley Hotel & Suites in July, a totally new hotel experience will be available in Port Moresby. PNG’s then leading luxury hotel is situated in the government and business district of the city and will be only five minutes away from the international “Jacksons Airport”. The 18 story hotel will feature 429 rooms, four restaurants, three bars, three pools and a 24-hour fitness centre with a spa and sauna. The hotel will be employing approximately 600 people – 550 will be from Papua New Guinea. A grand opening ceremony will be taking place in September.

Once a year, “Dive Log”, Australia’s leading dive magazine, runs the competition “Who i?” which awards the best dive spots and operators in Australasia. This year’s winner in the category “Best Overseas Dive Resort” is Walindi Plantation Resort. Last year’s winner “Lissenung Island Resort” still made it into the top 3 of this category. Live aboard vessel “MV Febrina” was also awarded. In the category “Best Overseas Live Aboard” the vessel was selected number one for the 4th year in a row.

New mattresses, furnishings, internal paneling and showers – the live aboard vessel “Spirit of Niugini” currently being refurbished. After completion of the works Tawali Resort’s vessel will have a great new shine. By the way, lightings will be replaced as well. In the future, “Niugini’s spirit” will be a great addition to currently leading live aboard vessel MV Febrina for live aboard options in PNG waters.

A part from dive charters, Tawali Resort is also looking into offering new packages that include 3 nights on the “Spirit of the Niugini” as well as 4 nights in the resort. Guests booking this package will travel to Cape Vogel to dive the Black Jack.

For British broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most magical places on earth. There hardly is any island that incorporates this magic better than Lizard Island. You wonder why people fall under the island’s spell? We present the Top 10 island experiences that one shouldn’t miss. Excellent diving and snorkeling spots, 24 untouched private beaches, the 360° view from the island’s highest point as well as world class gourmet food and wine are just a few of things to name that make a stay on Lizard Island unforgettable.

Carmichael’s Restaurant has reopenedWith the reopening of Carmichael’s Restaurant on 1st of May, there is again a dining option available within Kings Canyon Resort. Guests don’t need to have dinner at the camping sites anymore. Carmichael’s Restaurant now offers a new menu. Inspiration for some of the dishes was found in the Australian Bush Tucker cuisine. “Barramundi in Paper Bark” or the “Australian tasting plate” with kangaroo, emu and more are just two examples. Read more…

Daily transfers to UluruDaily transfers between the different hotels at Uluru and Kings Canyon Resort have been launched in April 2016. For guests it has become really easy to integrate both sights into their itinerary thanks to this new possibility to change location on any given day of the week. The single transfer costs 69AUD, the return is available for 129AUD. Read more...

New shine for El Questro

Emma Gorge ResortAll tented cabins of Emma Gorge Resort have new, refurbished en-suite bathrooms. They also have new canvas walls and doors and window claps have been replaced. Thanks to the introduction of new low voltage kettles, guests can now enjoy a cuppa in the privacy of the cabin or sitting outside while enjoying the nature. Both restaurants have new retractable roofs which means guests can enjoy dinner under the stars every night.

El Questro StationEl Questro Station upgraded the River View Rooms. Those have new, expanded bathrooms with frameless shower screens and cascading rain showerheads. The rooms also have new timber floors. The outdoor area now boasts a large fire pit crafted from local Kimberley stone and a new pizza oven is the latest addition to the restaurant area.

Cayman Villas in Port Douglas has recently been recognized with the “Certificate of Excellence” by rating platform TripAdvisor. The resort is ranked 11 out of 57 in the category „Specialty Lodgings“. User ratings are very positive, especially when it comes to the new on site owners Lee and Bryce: “Great Hosts”, “Best in Port Douglas”, “Excellent”. Read more…

NEW: Cayman Villas now offers free WIFI for guests staying in the resort.

Fleet UpgradeIn 2016 alone the Quicksilver Group has invested over $6 million on upgrades and refurbishments to their fleet and the acquisition of an additional vessel for their „Great Adventure“ operations. This significant investment is to ensure that all vessels and operations are kept to the highest standards ensuring a premier, 5 Star Great Barrier Reef experience. Read more…

Makeover for Green Island Resort’s signature restaurantGreen Island Resort’s restaurant, Emeralds, has undergone some lovely changes in its interior. In tune with the fresh new feel, chef Shuki Salem has created a delicious dinner menu. Guests can choose to take their meals on the outdoor terrace or in the air-conditioned inside area. Have a look at the menu…

A change for PoseidonSince 1 April, Port Douglas-based dive and snorkel catamaran Poseidon will see the operation dedicated to certified divers and adventure snorkelers. Poseidon visits three different reef sites daily at the Agincourt ribbon reefs and Escape Reef, offering the opportunity to experienced divers and snorkelers to experience the Great Barrier Reef at its finest. Introductory diving will no longer be able to be pre booked for Poseidon, but will be available on Silver Sonic.

Koala Hume is back in the forests north of Maryborough (Queensland). The little patient had spent two long years at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. End of May 2016 he was released back into the wild.

Hume came to the wildlife hospital in July 2013, suffering from Chlamydia, a common disease causing significant population decline in the now vulnerable koala populations in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales. The koala’s treatment which was complicated by a rare case of fungal infection, cost an estimated $20.000.

Claudia Lacasse, treating vet and Australia Zoo wildlife Hospital Veterinary Services Manger is over the moon to see Hume released back into the wild: “Hume has become one of the most memorable and inspiring patients I have treated. His extremely rare illness was overcome against all the odds so it was really rewarding to see him go free,” she said.

The whole Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital team made the long journey up North near Maryborough for the release, where Hume was originally found. So strong were the bounds that they had developed with the little fellow.

The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital is recognised internationally as a leading koala treatment facility, having treated over 4,000 koalas with Chlamydia in ten years. The world class wildlife vets are on the front line of saving the dwindling koala population, using innovative research and treatment methods to break new ground in cases just like Hume’s.

TCMG recently welcomed Stefanie Bischof to its team. From now on, she will be your contact for all things Western Australia. She succeeds Andreas Schunck who left TCMG end of March. During her two year “Work and Travel Experience” Down Under, Steffi spent one year in Western Australia. Ever since, she’s been in love with Australia’s West and consequently knows the destination pretty well. After the successful completion of her tourism management studies at Hochschule Harz in 2013 she was employed as a project manager with TourComm, a destination marketing agency. In her role, she promoted federal German states to the US and Canadian markets.

Quicksilver Group at ATE 2016, Gold Coast

In June Craig joined the Quicksilver team at ATE 2016 on the spectacular Gold Coast. Over the course of 4 days he met with over 70 key European Buyers and updated them on all products within the Quicksilver Group, with a special focus on Ocean Spirit, Green Island Resort, Poseidon and the Silver Series. Long busy days and the occasional late night networking contributed to a very successful event. ATE 2017 will be held Sydney and is already marked in the calendar.

Road Show: Regions and Products from Western Australia will visit Europe

It’s coming up again. In October 2016, in cooperation with Emirates, 11 products from Western Australia together with the five WA regions and WAITOC will be visiting the German speaking markets in Europe.

The “Emirates – Just Another Day in WA” Road Show running from 3rd to 6th October includes work shop evenings in Zurich (3rd Oct.), Munich (4th Oct.), Cologne (5th Oct.) and Hamburg (6th Oct.). As a first, on 1st and 2nd October, a workshop weekend for 24 product managers, who were already invited, will mark the beginning for the one week tour through Continental Europe. Invitations for the workshop evenings in Germany and Switzerland will be sent out in July. The registration section for participants will then also be live on our website.

Clients‘ activity and upcoming sales trips

Papua New GuineaThe PNG Tourism Promotion Authority is currently facing unexpected financial constraints. These have caused a dramatic cut in budgets of all the TPA’s international representation agencies. Accordingly our possibilities for conjoint marketing campaigns are quite limited for the remainder of 2016. Until an improvement of the situation occurs, we will be focusing on activities that don’t generate any additional costs, such as our webinars providing training for selling agents for example.

Nonetheless, PNG’s trade show “Lukim Nau” will be held in Port Moresby from 25th to 27th September 2016. For the trade day on 26th September, we will be inviting three product managers from wholesalers across Europe. As in previous years, participants attending the LukimNau will also be sent on a “fam trip” this year to experience Trans Nuigini Tours’ products.

If you wish to participate in one of our webinars on Papua New Guinea, please contact Stella Dielhenn. We are happy to set one up for you and your colleagues.

Delaware North Australia Parks & ResortIn June, Christiane will be visiting leading trade partners in Zurich and surroundings for sales meetings and agents trainings. In July, she will be then visiting wholesalers in Milano. For Lizard Island and El Questro she will participating in the Luxury Lodges of Australia Event in Paris end of September.

Christiane continues to offer webinars for the Delaware North Australia Parks & Resorts properties. If you wish to participate in one of these online trainings, please contact her.

Participate in our webinars

We bring you up to date! Participate in our webinars and online product updates. Learning more about our destinations and clients’ offerings you will be able to sell them more easily.

A 30 minute presentation that you can follow on your computer will provide you and your reservations team with the latest news. Please agree on an exact date and time with us. You will then receive a webinar invitation from us and you will only need to follow the instructions in the email. Every team member from your company can dial in to the webinar with a local number in your home country and follow the presentation individually.

Would you like to do an agent training or receive an update on our destinations Western Australia or Papua New Guinea or the products of Delaware North Australia Parks & Resorts, Quicksilver Group, Le Meridian Port Douglas, Cayman Villas, The National Opal Collection or Crikey Camper? Please contact Rhett, Christiane, Stella, Steffi, Craig or Chris to organise a Webinar or a personal meeting in your office (contact information below).

What the press is saying

Highlight at the reef– Stephan Brünjes went snorkelling with whale sharks at Western Australia’s dream coast. The close encounter with the biggest fish of the world was a success thanks to “remote control” from the air. Badische Zeitung, April 2016. Read the article…

Fishing in the desert – Craters, bars and dusty tracks: Travellers following the traces of the gold rush through Western Australia will have quirky encounters. Sven Weniger relates his experiences. Süddeutsche Zeitung, April 2016. Read the article…

Art on a salt lake – Michael Marek visited the world’s biggest open air gallery. “Inside Australia” is the name of the installation of 51 sculptures, nearly the size of humans, that artist Antony Gormely erected on Lake Ballard in Western Australia’s outback. Deutschlandfunk (radio), May 2016. Read the article and listen to the podcast…

Mantas, fire dancers and German ruins – On her journey to Papua New Guinea, Helgard Below visited ancient cultures and natural wonders. She experienced a world class underwater world, went snorkeling with manta rays and witnessed the ceremony of the Baining Fire Dancer. Merian Online, May 2016. Read the article…

Spirits that I called – No other tribe than the Asaro Mudmen incorporates the wild spirit of Papua New Guinea better. Their frightening masks are the result of an accidental incident when they were running away from the enemy. Freddy Langer visited the village Geremiyaka. Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, February 2016. Read the article…

Fire Dancers in Papua New Guinea – When the darkness in the mountains of Papua New Guinea hides the bush, the fire sprays sparks and uncommon sounds make the night vibrate, this is the time for a real spectacle, the dance of the Bainings. Thilo Scheu witnessed it. GMX.CH, June 2016. Read the article…